Aperlae: Swim Among Ancient Ruins on the Lycian Coast

If weather conditions and low visitor numbers align, a stop at Aperlae is one of the most rewarding detours you can make on a westbound cruise with us. Especially appealing to history and culture enthusiasts, Aperlae is only accessible by sea—there are no roads leading to it.

Even for experienced sailors, reaching Aperlae is a challenge. It’s only possible during certain hours of the day when tides allow safe entry and exit into the narrow inlet of Asar Bay, where the ruins are found. These natural restrictions mean the site remains remarkably peaceful, even during peak summer months—offering a rare moment of quiet beauty in the height of the season.

What sets Aperlae apart from other ancient sites like Kekova is this: you’re allowed to swim and snorkel among the submerged ruins. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get close to centuries-old remains—something few other sites in the region can offer.

A Glimpse Into Aperlae’s Past

Aperlae was likely founded in the 4th century BCE, as evidenced by coins minted during that time. It thrived due to the abundance of a particular type of shellfish in its coastal waters: the Murex trunculus, or “banded murex.”

This mollusc was the source of the famed “Tyrian purple” dye—an incredibly valuable product in antiquity. Originally developed by the Cretans and Phoenicians, this deep purple dye was used to colour the robes of emperors and nobility. The dye was so rare and labour-intensive to produce (requiring around 12,000 shellfish to make just 1.4 grams) that it was once worth 20 times its weight in gold.

In the 1970s, archaeologists Robert and Cynthia Carter made the connection between Aperlae’s wealth and its dye production after discovering large piles of crushed murex shells west of the town’s ruins. This dye industry sustained the city for over 1,300 years, until around 700 AD, when Aperlae began to decline—partly due to pirate activity and raids by Arab fleets along the coast.

Exploring the Ruins

Like most ancient Lycian sites, Aperlae features a range of ruins that span from the Hellenistic period to Byzantine times. When we visit, our crew will help point out some of the most significant remains:

• Lycian sarcophagi, partially submerged in the water
• Stone tanks used to store shellfish before processing
• An ancient church, believed to have served the local Christian population
• A sea-fed hammam, likely used when fresh water was scarce
• Cisterns and rainwater tanks used to store drinking water
• Hilltop city walls, still standing above the cove

As you swim among the ancient stones, gaze up at the remnants of the city walls and imagine what life must have been like in this once-thriving trading hub.

Or simply float in the warm, turquoise waters, watching schools of fish dart between the ruins. Whether you're here for the history or the tranquillity, Aperlae offers a rare blend of both.